"Beyond excited": Graham Norton announces Aussie TV show
Graham Norton, the beloved Irish television presenter and talk show host, is set to bring a wave of nostalgia to Australian screens with the revival of the iconic game show, Wheel of Fortune.
While Norton is best known for his charismatic chat show, he's expanding his horizons and diving into the world of game shows, and fans are in for a treat.
In a recent announcement from Channel 10, it was revealed that Norton would be the new face of Wheel of Fortune Australia, making its return in a primetime slot as part of the network's 2024 schedule.
For those unfamiliar with the game, Wheel of Fortune is centred around a colossal carnival wheel. Contestants spin the wheel in hopes of landing on a lucky segment, which could lead to a life-changing cash prize. The show is a perfect blend of skill, luck and, of course, plenty of surprises.
Interestingly, the revival of Wheel of Fortune also coincides with the news that Norton will be hosting a UK reboot of the same show, while Ryan Seacrest takes on hosting duties in the United States.
In a statement, Norton expressed his excitement, saying, "I’m beyond excited to be bringing such an iconic American show to Australia with Network 10.
"Hosting game shows is brilliant fun, and even more so when you have a giant wheel to spin! This show has it all, mixing skill, luck, and lots of surprises, and I hope the Australian audience loves it."
This is not the first time that Wheel of Fortune has graced Australian screens. The game show was last seen in 2008 when it aired on Channel 7 under the name Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune, hosted by Tim Campbell.
Sadly, the show met an untimely demise, being cancelled after just a month due to poor ratings. The decision to bring it back, albeit in a different form, indicates the enduring popularity and appeal of this classic game show.
One noteworthy change in this revival is the location. Unlike its previous iteration, the new Wheel of Fortune Australia will not be filmed down under. Instead, it will be produced in the United Kingdom, with the charismatic Norton taking the helm and a variety of Aussie expats appearing on the show.
But that's not the only exciting game show news for Australian viewers. Channel 10 also announced that the beloved Australian host, Grant Denyer, will be bringing back the iconic Deal or No Deal.
The show, which had a global following and was beloved in 325 countries, will make a comeback in 2024, airing at 6pm on weekdays.
Denyer expressed his excitement about the return of the show, saying, "In this time of the high cost of living, I can't wait to be a hyperactive 'human ATM,' handing out big cash and sending Australians off into the sunset with their pockets bulging and their lives changed. It's a magical feeling and a real privilege. I'm so damn excited."
Additionally, the popular wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin is set to host I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Julia Morris (who has promised to behave herself) for the show's 10th season, taking over from former host Dr Chris Brown.
And for fans of cooking shows, there's a reboot of Ready Steady Cook primed for Friday nights, featuring former The Living Room star and chef Miguel Maestre as the show's host.
With these exciting announcements, Australian television is set to have a fantastic lineup of game shows and entertainment in the coming year. Whether it's spinning the iconic wheel or choosing between those elusive briefcases, the fun and thrill of these game shows are set to captivate viewers once again.
Image: BBC One